The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Lagos Zone, is urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to immediately reinstate five lecturers who were dismissed from Lagos State University (LASU). The union claims that the dismissals were unjust and that the lecturers should be returned to their posts without further delay.
During a press conference at LASU, Professor Adelaja Odukoya, the ASUU Lagos Zone Coordinator, called on Governor Sanwo-Olu to lift the suspension on the Governing Council’s decision to reinstate the affected lecturers.
The dismissed lecturers include Dr. Tony Dansu, Adeolu Oyekan, Oluwakemi Aboderin, Dr. Isaac Oyewunmi, and Adebowale Suenu.
According to ASUU, a court ruling found that the university had no legal right to act against the union officers, citing the Freedom of Information Act and other relevant laws.
ASUU stated that the Governing Council, after reviewing the case, determined that the dismissals were unwarranted and ordered the immediate reinstatement of the lecturers on February 23, 2022.
However, the university administration was directed by the state government to hold off on implementing the reinstatement decision, citing an ongoing review by a Visitation Panel.
The Panel completed its work in February 2022 and submitted its report in September, but the White Paper from the review has not been released.
ASUU questioned Governor Sanwo-Olu’s actions, asking, “What offenses did the ASUU leaders commit against the governor and whose interests is he protecting by preventing their return to their posts?” The union criticized the governor for not living up to his pro-labor image, pointing out the “unjust deprivation of livelihood” faced by the dismissed lecturers.
In response to the delay, ASUU has re-imposed sanctions on LASU and declared Lanre Fagbohun, a former LASU official, a public enemy of the union. The union has instructed its members to avoid all engagement with LASU and its staff until further notice.
